Superfood Almond Coconut & Chocolate Smoothie

You would think after a four day trip to Carmel I would be feeling refreshed and settled now that we’re home but honestly, it felt like a tease to me. I returned home with an undeniable urge to see more and immediately found myself researching different places to visit in the coming months as soon as we returned.

It’s like traveling is a drug to me, one that I can’t get enough of. Or as Brandon said to me, “you don’t get bit by the travel bug, it’s crawls it’s way inside of you and lives there.”

That’s a nice visual isn’t it?

I think most of my excitement stems from how beautiful the weather has become now that spring is here and summer is right around the corner. The warm sunshine is begging me to get out and explore, inhale the fresh air into my lungs, and take in all that the surroundings have to offer.

For the time being, the most feasible solution is to get back into the local hiking groove for a while. It’s a great way to get a similar sense of freedom and adventure without depleting the old bank account, you know?

Speaking of, one of my favorite things to drink before a long hike on a warm day is a nice cold smoothie. It always keeps me feeling energized and ready to take on whatever the day brings.

This Almond Joy inspired smoothie is my most recent craving. When my friends over at Blue Diamond sent me their new Almond Breeze Almond Coconut Milk to try last week, I instantly thought of blending it with chocolate. I’m a little obsessed with the almond, coconut and chocolate combination as you might be able to tell from these cookies or these energy balls.

To give it a smooth and creamy texture I paired their almond coconut milk with half a frozen banana and half of an avocado blended with ice. Then I added antioxidant-packed cacao powder and a few dates for a slightly sweet, rich chocolate flavor.

Altogether it makes for an excellent source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals to keep you feeling great and glowing all day long. Or all night long if you want it for dessert. It’s definitely decadent enough, especially with the toppings. I love scooping out the bits of chocolate, coconut and almonds in between sips. Mmm, so good!

Traveling is definitely a drug to me too! When I am bored I will just spend time researching new places. I love adding avocado to smoothies- great recipe!

That looks delicious! Such a perfect way to use up an extra avocado half!

Ah yes, the travel bug drug! Weekends away are always fun and relaxing, but it’s tough to quench the travel thirst, especially when you’re so drawn to a place as beautiful as Carmel! Glad you had the opportunity to get away and can’t wait to see what trips are in store for you next!

This smoothie looks amazing! I love that it can double as a healthy shake for dessert. Bring on that chocolatey coconut deliciousness!!

I’ve been wanting to try using avocados in something sweet..you may have just convinced me!

Hiking is such a great way to calm that travel bug. I’m looking forward to doing some more hiking this spring/summer now that life is calming down a bit. This smoothie looks SO good. I would drink it up in 5 seconds.

I definitely know what you mean about the travelling bug! I feel the same way. There’s just such an amazing world to see out there, so why spend all your time in one place, right? And I’m seriously in love with everything you tossed into this smoothie. The almond, coconut, chocolate combo is ah.maze.ing, and avocado in a smoothie just makes them creamy beyond words. Love this, girl!

This recipe is similar to one of my favorite chocolate smoothies I make only I’ve never added avocados…what a genius idea! I just posted a gazpacho recipe today that includes an avocado simply because it keep you feeling full! Thanks for sharing! :)

This looks SO good! Are you part of the Blue Diamond ambassador program??

Carmel pics please!!

Thanks Hillary! And yes, I am. :)

Sarah, I am the exact same way! When I come home from vacation, I’m immediately thinking about where I want to go next. I just want to see it all! My hubby was laughing at me last night, because during dinner he mentioned the idea of us hopping over the border to Mexico sometime, and then immediately after dinner I was Googling around to see what little nearby areas in Mexico would be fun to explore around. I can’t help myself – now we simply NEED to go to Mexico. Haaaa!

Oh that’s exciting! I can’t convince Brandon to go to Mexico to save my life. He says it’s too dangerous which I think is a little silly. As long as you stick to the right areas, it’s fine! Maybe I’ll just tag along with you? ;)

Whoaaaa our smoothie recipes for this campaign are oddly similar… great minds think alike?! I think yes. This looks and sounds deeeelicious lady!

Almond joy is an epic smoothie combo, one of my favorites. I recently rediscovered how amazing cocoa powder is in smoothies! I totally agree about the travel bug. I get like that with concerts too. Once I see one I need to go see everyone live.

Ooh, I can just imagine sipping this on a sunny beach! I love how you’ve managed to create something that is both decadent and healthy. Anything with coconut and cacao is bound to be delicious. Oh, and I’m right there with you regarding travel bugs – I’ve got vacations planned out in my head for the next several years!

I love the creaminess that avocado gives to smoothies! This looks fantastic.

I’m so pumped that spring is here too – although apparently we have some potential snow in the forecast for Thursday. Ugh, I’m not impressed! :P

Haha, I’m not so sure I want that travel bug! I always feel like I need a vacation from my vacation once I get home! That is nice you were able to get a way for a few days though! I’m so into smoothies these days and this chocolatey one looks so good! It will give me an excuse to eat chocolate for breakfast :)

Hi Sarah! Brandon’s quote is pretty funny! But I agree … when I get out of town, I want to be out of town more! There are so many places I want to visit! But hey, at least we have our hikes in the Bay Area! There are worse places to live! :) Great smoothie, of course!